Sheikha Alanoud Hamad Saud Al Thani, a research fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, stated that talks conducted by Qatari mediators in Tehran were "routine exchanges" and not necessarily in response to recent regional tensions. She noted that as a mediator, Qatar cannot impose its will, and the ultimate outcome still depends on the willingness of both the United States and Iran. She also warned that Israel might take unilateral actions to influence upcoming elections, raising regional concerns, as some members of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's government do not want elections now and might push for conflict escalation to avoid them. She added that if all parties believe the other will act first, this belief itself could trigger a renewed outbreak of conflict.